In her role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Shakira discussed with the teens how to harness the power of sport to promote awareness of healthy life styles, as well as to promote girls’ education and girls’ participation in sport nationwide. Shakira is in Azerbaijan for the official closing of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be followed by her concert at Baku Crystal Hall.

“Sport is a particularly good way of reaching out to girls as well as boys, and can provide them with opportunities to connect with others socially,” said Shakira. “Sport, like education, can help girls become equal players in society.” One of the important issues that came up during Shakira’s discussion with the girl players was child marriage. A recent study found that child marriages continue occurring in the country, as some parents still prefer having their daughters get married early, rather than continuing education, something a boy is considered to need more. Education helps avoid child marriages among girls, which has health risks associated with adolescent pregnancy and birth, social restrictions and other harm to the girls and any children they bear. “I will never give up my right of playing football or going to school for getting married at this age…,” said 14-year-old Samaye talking to Shakira. Shakira’s meeting was part of her passionate advocacy work for global education, calling for the expansion and improvement of education, especially for the most disadvantaged children and youth.